The Golden Girls: Rue McClanahan Recovering from Heart Surgery

Actress Rue McClanahan, best known for her roles on The Golden Girls and Maude, is doing well after undergoing unplanned heart bypass surgery in New York.

The hospitalization and surgery came after McClanahan made a visit to her doctor for a physical and the physician didn’t like what he found.

McClanahan’s representative told Access that the 74-year-old actress, “is doing absolutely great” and would likely be released in a week.

Having been ordered to stay in bed, McClanahan won’t be able to attend a special event being held in her honor. Golden: A Gala Tribute to Rue McClanahan was set to be held on November 14th at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.

In a statement to her fans from her hospital room, McClanahan told The Advocate, “My darlings, I’m just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute at the Castro Theatre… Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I’m currently having some maintenance on the old ticker. Trust me, I’d much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you.”

Organizers of the event suggested that it may be postponed until a later date.